Good Evening Mayor Light, Members of the City Council and Council Staff Dear City Council and Planning Commission,
We would like to thank you for your time and effort in guiding this process and for the opportunity to present our business proposal. Our company, Hashery, will be applying for a cannabis license in South Redondo Beach.
I attended the City Planning Commission meeting on Monday, February 3rd, where there was discussion regarding potential changes to the existing Blue Zones. As a South Redondo Beach resident, 1 understand the reasoning behind most of these zones and appreciate the effort to create responsible policies.
However, we would like to formally request that the Council and Planning Commission reconsider the 1,500-foot distance requirement from high schools and instead align it with either the California state requirement of 600 feet or a modified distance of 1,000 feet. Currently, Redondo Beach has set the minimum distance at 600 feet for elementary schools and daycare centers, in line with state law. We believe applying the same standard-or a reasonable adjustment--to high schools would be a fair and practical approach.
This request is based on a location that we are confident would be an ideal fit for both our business and the community. The property on N. Catalina Avenue between Emerald Streel and Diamond Street sits right at the edge of the current Blue Zone. It was previously home to a coffee shop and a dry-cleaning business but has been vacant for years, creating an eyesore rather than a positive contribution to the area.
Our plans include a complete renovation of the building inside and out, with an estimated investment of $1,000,000 to $1,200,000. This will enhance the property's appearance, align it with the surrounding businesses, and improve the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Additionally, the site features a large private parking area behind the building, ensuring safe and secure customer access while keeping deliveries discreet and out of sight.
We appreciate the opportunity to bring this matter to your attention and respectfully ask for your consideration in modifying the buffer zone requirement. Thank you again for your time and for the work you do for the community.
Best,
Rob Merkelbach
Owner
Hashery